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President Barack Obama's announcement Wednesday that he now supports same-sex marriage has drawn a mixed bag of support and criticism from politicians and people on both ends of the American political spectrum.

Below are reactions from left-leaning politicians across the United States.

Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Deval Partick — “President Obama has once again affirmed that we are a country that stands for the basic values of equality and opportunity," Patrick said in a statement. "Since 2004, same-sex couples in Massachusetts have had the security of knowing that their families have the same rights and protections as every other family, including health care benefits and hospital visitation rights. The President's words today give same-sex couples across the country still awaiting those rights a powerful reason to feel hopeful."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. — "Today marks progress for the civil rights of LGBT Americans and all Americans. With President Obama's support, we look forward to the day when all American families are treated equally in the eyes of the law."

Republican New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — “No American president has ever supported a major expansion of civil rights that has not ultimately been adopted by the American people – and I have no doubt that this will be no exception. Today’s announcement is a testament to the President’s convictions, and it builds on the courageous stands that so many Americans have taken over the years on behalf of equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans, stretching back to the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.”

Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J. — "President Obama's support for marriage equality marks an important moment for civil rights in America. We simply cannot treat same-sex couples as second-class citizens in our country. Marriage equality is one of the most significant civil rights battles of our time and is critical to guaranteeing the equal protection under the law promised to every American in the Constitution."Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass. — “I believe it will be clear in the days ahead that this will cost him no votes, since those opposed to legal equality for LGBT people were already inclined to oppose him. It will make it easier for us to mobilize the people in this country who oppose discrimination to help reelect him.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. — "Obama’s “unequivocal support today in favor of all committed couples to marry the person they love is a watershed moment in American history that will provide the leadership needed to finally repeal [Defense of Marriage Act] and win the unfinished fight for equality for all Americans.”

Massachusetts State Sen. Gale Candaras, D-Wilbraham — "I think he said exactly what the leader of the free world should say. He sent a message to the rest of the world, especially countries where human rights and dignity aren't respected, and said that we respect the rights of all citizens. Especially when it comes to matters of personal liberty such as who you choose to marry. As long as consenting adults are making decisions together, it isn't the government's business."Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. — "The president's statement is a milestone and so important for the millions of American families who deserve full equality. None of us can rest until marriage equality is a reality for all Americans."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. — "In talking with my children and grandchildren, it has become clear to me they take marriage equality as a given. I have no doubt that their view will carry the future."

Raymond Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party — “President Obama’s statements this afternoon in support of marriage equality mark a watershed moment in this deeply important civil rights issue,” Buckley said in a statement. “In New Hampshire, I was proud to stand with Gov. John Lynch in June of 2009 when he signed the historic marriage equality legislation into law, making the Granite State the sixth state to do so. Today, I am proud to stand with President Obama and thank him for his leadership.”